Do gyms have barbell pads?

Some gyms might offer barbell pads, but it definitely depends on the gym or studio you go to. Others will not have them available for use, but you can easily bring your own. Some barbell pad brands offer travel cases that make them even easier to carry from your home to the gym.

Should you use a barbell pad?

Delgado-Lugo recommends using a barbell pad for hip thrusts, as it will help protect your bones and make sure that your hips stay comfy as you perform the exercise. She does not recommend them for barbell back squats , because it takes away the proprioception of the upper back muscles, meaning "it inhibits their ability to respond and adapt to the loading treatment,” she says. “Without proper engagement and challenge to your upper back muscles, the exercise loses its full benefit as a compound exercise that challenges so many parts of the body.” Instead of using a barbell pad, choose a lighter weight and then progressively add load over time as you get more experienced. “All this to say, that the stronger you get, the less you need the pad,” Delgado-Lugo says.

The 8 Best Barbell Pads of 2023, According to an Expert

Barbell pads come in handy for several reasons. “They're intended to provide a ‘protective’ barrier between the barbell and an individual’s body by acting as a cushion where the load of the barbell is resting,” says Francine Delgado-Lugo, NCSF-CPT, certified weightlifting and CrossFit coach, and co-founder of Form Fitness in Brooklyn, NY.

While Delgado-Lugo doesn’t recommend using a barbell pad during squats (it’s better to go for a lighter weight on the bar, she says), she does recommend them for hip thrusts. “In this case, the cushion is in fact protecting bone without inhibiting the muscle action or contraction,” she says. When choosing a barbell pad, it’s important to evaluate the comfort and fit. We reviewed barbells pads from the top brands for durability, grip, price, and more.

Here are the best barbell pads, according to a certified personal trainer.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Dark Iron Fitness 17” Barbell Neck Pad at Walmart

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Best Budget:

Weider Protective Weight Bar Pad at Walmart

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Best for Hip Thrusts:

Power Guidance Barbell Squat Pad at Amazon

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Best Non-Slip:

Fit Viva Barbell Pad with Safety Straps at Amazon

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Best Cushioned:

Fitness Maniac 18” Barbell Pad at Walmart

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Most Comfortable:

ProFitness 18” Barbell Pad at Amazon

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Best Portable:

Gymletics Barbell Squat Pad 7-Pack at Amazon

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Best Set:

Bridawn Barbell Pad Set at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.7

Courtesy of Walmart

View On Walmart

Pros

Soft
Comfortable
Durable

Cons

Not as thick as others

Our top pick has dense foam that is constructed to last through lots of lifts while protecting your bones from the weight of the bar. Over the foam, you also get a synthetic leather outer layer, making it less likely to slip (it velcros around the bar, too) and more durable. Your sweat may stay on the surface, but you can easily wipe it off when you’re done working out.

Price at time of publication: $28

^{Key Specs:
Material: Foam and Leather | Length: 17 inches | Thickness: 0.75 inches}

Courtesy of Walmart

View On Walmart

Pros

Inexpensive
Soft

Cons

Can feel stiff

A hook-and-loop velcro closure keeps this pad from slipping around a regular- or Olympic-sized barbell. The foam layer also provides the protection you need for your hips as you lift. Make sure to secure it tightly so it stays steady. To top off the benefits of this barbell pad, it’s a quality pick at an affordable price so you can easily stock up.

Price at time of publication: $11

^{Key Specs:
Material: Foam | Length: 15.5 inches | Thickness: 3-inch diameter}

Courtesy of Amazon

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Pros

Soft
Comfortable
Secure

Cons

Less durable

A super-soft, high-density foam makes this very comfortable when you place it on the bar and use it for hip thrusts. It also comes with two securing straps that stop the pad from slipping on the bar. The thickness also means you can use heavy weight without feeling discomfort on your hips. Opt for black or pink. Use these after your cardio workout on an elliptical machine or treadmill.

Price at time of publication: $27

^{Key Specs:
Material: Foam | Length: 17.5 inches | Thickness: 1.3 inches}

Courtesy of Amazon

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Pros

Soft
Comfortable
Secure

Cons

Not as durable as others

Two velcro straps keep this super stable as you’re lifting—just make sure to close them tightly. The pad is also soft for a more comfortable feel as you work out. After using, the shape of the pad should bounce right back, and it doesn’t absorb your sweat, so you don’t have to worry about it holding onto moisture or odor.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Material: Not disclosed | Length: 17 inches | Thickness: 1.3 inches}

Courtesy of Walmart

View On Walmart

Pros

Soft
Comfortable

Cons

May slip around

This thick foam pad offers a soft cushion when sitting against your body, helping you lift heavy weight during hip thrusts, squats, lunges, and more. It fits around a 1- or 2-inch barbell, and you can easily remove it if you need to switch from one barbell to the other or take it back and forth to the gym.

Price at time of publication: $12

^{Key Specs:
Material: Neoprene | Length: 18 inches | Thickness: Fits a 2-inch or 1-inch bar}

Courtesy of Amazon

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Pros

Soft
Comfortable
Secure

Cons

Requires a little work to secure properly

A grippy surface on this barbell pad means it won’t move around while you’re moving up and down through hip thrusts and more. The straps also help to keep the pad steady as you go, while the high-density foam keeps it comfortable against your skin.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:
Material: Foam | Length: 18 inches | Thickness: 1.5 inches}

What Our Editors Say

"I’ve used this barbell pad for a few years now and I love how it does not move at all while I’m hip thrusting or doing glute bridges. Once I velcro the straps in place around the pad, they never shift from their spot around the barbell. I love how this pad offers enough cushioning that you never feel the barbell dig into your body, but not so much that you can’t feel the weight or placement of the barbell during your lifts, so it doesn’t impair my lifts in any way."— Isabella Broggini, Commerce Editor, Verywell Fit and Mind

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Extra accessories
Comfortable
Soft
Secure

Cons

Not as durable as others

Stash this barbell pad in its drawstring bag and you can easily carry it from your home to the gym. Then, strap it onto the barbell to absorb impact and relieve discomfort through heavy lifting. This barbell pad also comes with a resistance band and ankle straps to use at the cable machine.

Price at time of publication: $36

^{Key Specs:
Material: Foam | Length: 17.3 inches | Thickness: 1.3 inches}

Courtesy of Amazon

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Pros

Secure
Extra accessories
Portable

Cons

Not as durable as others

Looking for other accessories to use at the gym? Check out this Bridawn barbell pad set. Not only does it include the foam pad for more comfortable lifting, but it also comes with a carrying strap and a carrying bag for the pad.

Ankle straps are also included to use with the cable machine, as well as a thick, non-slip resistance band—all good accessories to help turn up the burn during your workouts.

Price at time of publication: $34

^{Key Specs:
Material: Cotton-ammonia rubber foam | Length: 17 inches | Thickness: 1.3 inches}

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a bar that stays steady and comfortable, go for the Dark Iron Fitness 17” Barbell Neck Pad (view at Amazon) for all your heavy lifting needs. For those looking for a few other accessories to enhance their workout, check out the Bridawn Barbell Pad Set (view at Sears). You’ll get portable tools for carrying the pad, plus ankle straps for the cable machine and a resistance band.

What to Look for in Barbell Pads

Comfort

As with any fitness equipment, you need to use gear that feels comfortable, so it doesn’t hold you back from making gains. The same goes for barbell pads—you need one that feels comfortable against your skin and bones.

Fit

To use a barbell pad, you need to make sure it fits on the barbell and isn’t too long or too short for your body shape. Check measurements before you make a purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do gyms have barbell pads?

Some gyms might offer barbell pads, but it definitely depends on the gym or studio you go to. Others will not have them available for use, but you can easily bring your own. Some barbell pad brands offer travel cases that make them even easier to carry from your home to the gym.
Should you use a barbell pad?

Delgado-Lugo recommends using a barbell pad for hip thrusts, as it will help protect your bones and make sure that your hips stay comfy as you perform the exercise. She does not recommend them for barbell back squats, because it takes away the proprioception of the upper back muscles, meaning "it inhibits their ability to respond and adapt to the loading treatment,” she says. “Without proper engagement and challenge to your upper back muscles, the exercise loses its full benefit as a compound exercise that challenges so many parts of the body.”
Instead of using a barbell pad, choose a lighter weight and then progressively add load over time as you get more experienced. “All this to say, that the stronger you get, the less you need the pad,” Delgado-Lugo says.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Mallory Creveling has been covering the fitness industry for more than a decade, often writing about workout equipment. She’s also a personal trainer who’s tried tons of at-home equipment. She knows what moves work best with added weight, and what to look for to get the most out of your gear.